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The Battle Over the Hanbok or Sharing Our Korean Culture

I had a great time talking about Korea and the New Year to the kids in Lu's Preschool Class, last week. I brought a Hanbok and a boys Jeogori (jacket) for the kids to try on. I read to the class, New Clothes for New Year's Dayby Hyun-joo Bae and The Name Jarby Yangsook Choi. I also taught the kids how to say hello and friend in Korean.

Last year Lu wore her Hanbok to school and was very proud of "looking different." This year she did not want to wear her Hanbok. I respected her wishes, only after trying to talk her into it unsuccessfully. I did recognized her desire to blend in having been there myself. I just wasn't expecting it to come so quickly.

I brought the Hanbok with me to the talk. When I pulled it out of the bag, all the kids oohed and ahhed over it. I asked who wanted to try it on. By the time every hand shot up Lu had officially changed her mind.

It is ironic that it took the classes unanimous acceptance for Lu to be free to be different.

12 comments:

What a fun day for you and a great experience to share with your daughter. I am glad Lu had a change of heart while in school, just goes to show when you don't push things still manage to work themselves out.

Your post got me teary-eyed. I love it when children get excited about learning about other cultures. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to go into Lu's classroom and share a little bit about Korea! Super cool!

ironically, as I sit here eating kalbi, kimchee, pajeon, and bap, I had a difficult time identifying with this experience. Don't get me wrong, I think it is a wonderful lesson for Lu Lu (and you) to have learned together. :) As an adoptee I didn't grow up learning about my Korean-ness. I tried and tried and tried to "fit-in." I still feel learning new Korean phrases and traditions is like learning about a foreign land. I don't feel any personal connection to Korea. Nevertheless, I don't feel odd teaching my children what little I know about Korea because I know this is the culture their halmony and halaboji hold close to their hearts...and even my husband. How did you bridge this gap?

She looks beautiful. I think it is so important for kids to connect with their heritage, it really is part of who we are. I think doing things like this inspires confidence in your girls and helps them realize they are special. Way to go!

How wonderful! I remember a similar experience when my mother came to my school to give a talk on Argentina (where my family is from). Made me feel so special! I'm sure Lu will remember this for a very long time!

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Who Are The 4 Crazy Kings?

Welcome to our adventures in crafting, adoption, family and life. I am the Mama to two beautiful girls, Em & Lu. And wife to a patient man who doesn't mind the crafts covering the kitchen table.
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